ACUSHNET — Michael Koster is small in size but the five-year-old played a big role Nov. 27 after seeing a fire break out in the kitchen.

Michael was at home with his mother when he noticed a fire caused by a candle burning on the kitchen table, his kindergarten teacher, JoAnn Westgate, said Monday.

"He quickly got Mom out of the shower and told her to go outside and dial 911," his teacher said. "The Acushnet Fire Department was able to respond quickly and contain the fire, resulting in minimal damage."

Because of his quick response and bravery, Michael received a certificate for being a "local hero" from Fire Chief Kevin Gallagher on Dec. 4. He also received a firefighter helmet and a T-shirt and got a ride in a fire truck.

Chief Gallagher said Michael's quick action and ability to remember his fire safety rules and stay calm in an emergency saved his family.

The kindergarten class did the fire safety lesson in October.

"Michael said he remembered his fire safety from school," his teacher said.

While no one was injured, Ms. Westgate said Michael was taken to an ambulance, "but to keep warm."

One disappointment was that his lunch box and new winter hat burned. Ms. Westgate said she told him he can get a new lunch box and a new hat.

Michael told his teacher that he did not have to stop, drop and roll because he wasn't on fire.

"I was glad for all the kindergarten students to see that it's not something we just talk about," his teacher said of fire safety. "It can really happen."

The other lesson, she said, is that one person can make a difference.

The fire has apparently firmed up Michael's feelings about what he wants to be when he grows up.

"Michael said back in September that when he grew up he wanted to be a firefighter or police officer," Ms. Westgate said the day after he was honored for his bravery. "After yesterday, he is clearly wanting to be a firefighter."